Why Was the Maison Carree Built?

James H. Sterling
James H. Sterling
• • 6 min read

Maison-Carrée, Roman Temple at Nîmes, France, in Remarkably Good Repair. According to an Inscription, It Was Dedicated to Lucius and Gaius Caesar, Adopted Sons...

Why Was the Maison Carree Built?

Maison-Carrée, Roman temple at Nîmes, France, in remarkably good repair. According to an inscription, it was dedicated to Lucius and Gaius Caesar, adopted sons of Augustus; it was probably built before the death of Marcus Agrippa

Marcus Agrippa
He was chiefly responsible for the victory over Mark Antony at the Battle of Actium in 31 bc, and during Augustus' reign he suppressed rebellions, founded colonies, and administered various parts of the Roman Empire. Of modest birth but not a modest man, Agrippa was disliked by the Roman aristocracy.
, Augustus's friend and the boys' father, about 12 bc.

What was the purpose of the Maison Carrée?

Built between 20 and 12 BC, the Maison Carrée dominated the Forum (the administrative and economic heart of the Roman city). Dedicated to the emperor Augustus' heirs - Caius and Lucius Caesar - its architecture and decoration were inspired by the temples of Apollon and Mars Ultor in Rome.

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Who created the Maison Carrée?

The Maison Carrée in Nîmes is one of the best-preserved monuments from the ancient world. The podium measures 25 x 12 meters. It was probably built by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, a close friend and son-in-law of the emperor Augustus, in 20 BCE.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist
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James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.